Bearcat BC-2016/CRC, Instruction Manual

Page: 49 / 95

49
Gener
al Oper
ation
Mirror adjustment is crucial to maintain good visibility. With all the
gates selected on, use the “Both” switch on the Console to make these
changes. By moving the hoppers equally, it keeps the machine balanced.
You can use the “Left” or
“Right” Hopper Shift for
special occasions, but this
can cause the machine
weight to be un-balanced
and possibly tip to the
heavy side. The other down
side to being un-balanced
or focusing the spread to
one side is, only one belt is
feeding the spread. This will
result in the rear fill hopper
being empty of aggregate on one side and too full to un-hook the dump
truck on the other side.
Another method of width control is selecting the individual gates.
Sometimes it is convenient to set the hoppers a foot or two wider and
select these extra feet off to allow for changes. Generally if a distributor
changes width, it will be in a 1 foot increment. By leaving an extra foot
outside of the spread turned off, you can select it on when needed
by simply selecting the taper switch verses hydraulically moving the
hopper which requires more attention. Normal asphalt distributors can
be referenced for width by keeping an eye on the spray bar. The center
section is 8 feet, the wings can vary based on manufactured options.
Each foot of spray bar has 3 nozzles. It is a good practice to be able to
identify the spread width of the asphalt distributor.
Radius
Shooting a radius or a taper is not limited to the
exceptionally gifted. It is a function of timing,
counting and practice, and it can be calculated.
Pay attention to a good distributor operator
when they shoot a radius. Count the number of feet at the widest
point or peak. The radius in the picture is 7 feet wide by observing the
Distributor. Next the distributor will trim the
radius and cover half of the street about 75’ long.
At this length, a loaded chipper should cover
the approach and radius without refilling. In this
example we are not chipping the cross street.